Thabang Matabane
Thabang Matabane
A woman of substance, an educator, a workaholic, a disciplinarian and a friend to all.
These are some of the words that describe Nombulelo Hilda Matlosa, of Dlamini, Soweto, who died this week after a long illness. Affectionately known as "Chom", her love for children was extraordinary.
She was born at Butterworth Mission in Eastern Cape on March 10 1934. She qualified as a pre-primary educator at Thabong in Sophiatown. Her career as an early childhood educator spans over four decades. She worked at various pre-schools, heading, among others, Emma Brosius in Jabulani and Morris Isaacson Creche in Mofolo.
Matlosa was involved in the training and coaching of pre-school student teachers at the then Soweto College of Education.
"There was no grey area with Hilda - you knew where you stood. I will miss her smile," said friend and colleague Winnie Masingi.
A staunch member of the Catholic Church, Matlosa was a member of St Anne's Sodality since 1968.
She is survived by two daughters and a son, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Matlosa will be buried tomorrow at Westpark Cemetery. The service will start at 8am at Regina Mundi Church. The cortege will leave for the cemetery at 10am.
Lala Ngoxolo Mandlovu!